Today, Wired posted a story about the travelers' watch lists kept by various governmental agencies and airlines. The story highlights cases of mistaken identities between legitimate and illegitimate travelers.

The article highlights the story of Princeton professor Walter Murphy, "one of the nation's most respected constitutional law professors," who was put on a watch list--even though he is not a threat to the U.S.

Here's the good news: In February, the Department of Homeland Security set up a new webpage that allows people to "resolve possible watch list misidentification issues." But the process isn't as effective as many people would like it...

It's unnerving to be pulled aside by passport control officials, as I can say from personal experience....

For Budget Travel's May issue, we compiled a list of 15 Places to Visit Before Age 15.
Not all of our readers agreed with our list, which you can find by clicking here. Among the passionate complaints is the question: "What planet are you all living on?"... (Feel free to add your own opinions in our comments section.)

We all know that flying isn't good for the environment. On June 1, Delta Air Lines will become the first U.S. carrier to give passengers the option of doing something to counterbalance the global-warming effects of flying.

Every time someone buys a flight at delta.com, he or she will be given the option of donating an additional $5.50 per domestic round-trip as a "carbon offset." The money goes directly to The Conservation Fund, which plants trees to offset carbon emissions from flights. We applaud the initiative but wonder if it's enough.

We're curious what you think. Should airlines add a $5.50 fee to the price of every domestic round-trip flight and then hand that money over to organizations that plant trees? Vote in our poll by clicking here.

If you've ever thought about retiring to Mexico on $600 a month, you'll find the definitive article on the topic by clicking here.

Oh, and Budget Travel's staff members recently revealed the places where they'd most like to retire. (Click here for the list.) We encourage you to share your preferred retirement destination by posting a comment below.

Dozens of our readers say no, while dozens more say yes.

Here's a sampling of reader views:

I live in Michigan, near the Canadian Border and on the Great Lakes. The border includes thousands of miles of open water, with tens of thousand of boats plying it, and thousands of miles of open land where the border is not even marked, or at least not controlled. If terrorists want to come across from Canada to the U.S., or go the other way, they can do it with or without a passport requirement. Requiring passports for a simple trip back and forth across the Canadian Border is a waste of money and resources, and is a needless inconvenience.—David L. Richards

Why should the safety of the American public be at risk just because people are too lazy to get a passports?—Tara

I do believe that the cost of GETTING the passport is much too high.—Janice Manley

Would this have helped protect us on 9/11? No. Would it help keep illegals from entering? No. Is it a hassle? Yes. We're letting the terrorists win when we make our nation more like the ones they come from.—Rich

My father served in WWII. He's never had to prove he was an American. Now, if he wants to go on a cruise, he's got to prove he's an American to leave the country and then again to return. He's 82-years-old. He doesn't need a 10-year passport. I want to take him on a cruise before it's too late. The government wants to charge me a tax (in the form of the cost of a passport) to take him on a cruise. That's not right.—Archie Windham

Archie, this is not the same world it was when your Dad went to war! In case you haven't noticed, the govt has intruded into our lives more and more over the past 50 years! I'm 75, and may not need a 10 year passport, but so what? Who knows, maybe I will, and $100 is quite a lot of money to us, but judging by what most people spend for recreation (i.e. dining out, shows, etc.) these days, it won't be a severe hardship on the majority of people. I know it won't entirely stop illegals from getting into our country, but in the world we live in today, every little bit helps.—Clairee Meeks

Travel is one of those things where if you did it all the time you'd get really good at it. Unfortunately, few people get to do it all the time—including the staff of Budget Travel. (We're stuck in office meetings like most people.) So we thought it would be smart to pool our knowledge. We ask you a question, you share your advice, and then we spotlight the most helpful tips in a future magazine issue. Here is this week's question:

"I'll be visiting friends in Burlington, Vt., in November. What are some fun things to do there? I don't participate in winter sports so that can't be one of them." —Sarah Irick, associate art director

Photo of Burlington, Vt., by Jared Vincent via Flickr and Creative Commons.

Travel is one of those things where if you did it all the time you'd get really good at it. Unfortunately, few people get to do it all the time—including the staff of Budget Travel. (We're stuck in office meetings like most people.) So we thought it would be smart to pool our knowledge. We ask you a question, you share your advice, and then we spotlight the most helpful tips in a future magazine issue. Here is this week's question:

"I'm heading to Bend, Ore.—my first time to the Pacific Northwest—in late October. Any suggestions for places I absolutely shouldn't miss? Hikes, restaurants, little local boutiques?" —Naomi Lindt, assistant editor

You can see answers to last week's question about Burlington, Vt., by reading the comments on this earlier blog post. We're grateful to everyone who submitted answers!

It's our Question of the Week!

Travel is one of those things where if you did it all the time you'd get really good at it. Unfortunately, few people get to do it all the time—including the staff of Budget Travel. So we thought it would be smart to pool our knowledge. We ask you a question, you share your advice, and then we spotlight the most helpful tips in a future magazine issue. This week's question comes from me, the senior editor of BudgetTravel.com:

"I'm going to Rome on vacation in mid-November. A tip on a good walking tour or wine bar would be appreciated!"

EARLIER: See reader answers to the question "What's there to do in Burlington, Vermont?"

DEALS: New Italy packages from $599.

RELATED: 14 top questions about Italy, answered.

The fabulous photo is by Beachy via Flickr and Creative Commons.

Many of you responded to the earlier blog post on how to families of five or more members can find affordable lodging on the road. (See "Motel Confessions.")

Joyce Carlin, a reader who used to work at a hotel chain, offers the following tips

If the front-desk clerk says that their property only allows four persons to a room, offer to rent a roll-a-way cot (usually for a fee of under $20) in exchange for letting your family slip in under the radar.

If the front-desk clerk is a stickler, ask if he or she can offer a manager's discount off the second room. Or ask for some local travel discount coupons, which may amount to the same thing. "This could be a savings of at least $60."

Joyce warns, though, that the above strategies might not work on Friday and Saturday arrivals in peak travel season unless you call ahead and reserve the room and cot. You would leave it until your arrival to announce that you'll have more than four persons in your party. Adds Joyce:

"Friday and Saturday nights during May through October are usually booked up and it is difficult to extend special arrangements UNLESS you book ahead. We front-desk clerks were told by our bosses that we could only accept coupons if we were not 80 percent full. Also: Arrive before 4p.m. and you will have a better chance of using your coupons."

Mo, a parent, offers a pair of tips of her own:

I just attended a round-table discussion on "sustainable travel." Ask ten people to define this and you'll get ten different answers. But for now let's just call it travel that, at the very least, doesn't hurt the environment, and at best, helps it.

I love that this is finally a hot topic among travelers and that businesses are responding. For example, Vail Resorts is doing some pretty great things in this area, including serving hormone-free meats and poultry and organic dairy products in its 40 restaurants spread across five resorts.

At the discussion, we spent a lot of time talking about where the readers of travel publications stand on the issue. There are oodles of statistics, of course, but it seems to me the best way to find out what readers think about something is to ask the readers themselves. (I know, crazy idea.)

Here are the questions:

It's time for another Question of the Week!

Travel is one of those things where if you did it all the time you'd get really good at it. Unfortunately, few people get to do it all the time—including the staff of Budget Travel. So we thought it would be smart to pool our knowledge. We ask you a question, you share your advice, and then we spotlight the most helpful tips in a future magazine issue. This week's question comes from Suzanne McElfresh, managing editor of BudgetTravel.com:

"I'm traveling with my husband and our 5-year-old son to Amsterdam for a week in February for my sister-in-law's wedding (her fiancee is Dutch). We're looking for kid-friendly and winter-weather friendly activities, interesting local places to eat, and a good day-trip excursion by metro. (My son loves to ride subways.) I'm also interested in up-and-coming Dutch fashion designers and H&M-type local shops that aren't yet in America."

EARLIER: Readers answer a question about walking tours and wine bars in Rome.

Travel is one of those things that you'd get really good at if you did them all the time. Unfortunately, few people get to do it all the time—including the staff of Budget Travel. So we're pooling our knowledge: We ask you a question, you share your advice, and then we spotlight the most helpful tips in a future magazine issue. This week's question is:

"My family has a cabin in Mt. Vernon, ME. I've been going since I was a child and always wind up doing the same things—hiking, swimming, and rafting. I'm going in November and wondering what to do that's well-suited to the cooler fall months?" —Lauren Keenan, Associate Photo Editor

EARLIER: Readers answer a question about shopping and kid-friendly activities in Amsterdam.

It's time for another Question of the Week!

Travel is one of those things that you'd get really good at if you did them all the time. Unfortunately, few people get to do it all the time—including the staff of Budget Travel. So we're pooling our knowledge: We ask you a question, you share your advice, and then we spotlight the most helpful tips in a future magazine issue. This week's question is:

"I'm heading to Vietnam and I've heard there's great shopping to be had, including custom-made dresses, leather jackets and boots. What are some specific boutique recommendations? Are there other Vietnam specialties I should look for? I'll be in Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An, Hanoi, Da Nang, and Hue." —Laura MacNeil, Associate Editor

EARLIER: Readers answer a question about what to do in Maine during the cooler months.

Travel is one of those things that you'd get really good at if you did them all the time. Unfortunately, few people get to do it all the time—including the staff of Budget Travel. So we're pooling our knowledge: We ask you a question, you share your advice, and then we spotlight the most helpful tips in a future magazine issue. This week's question is:

"My friends and I will be spending New Year's (Dec. 28-Jan. 2) in New Orleans. For most of us, it'll be our first time in Louisiana. We would like to explore the area while being respectful. Can you recommend any swamp or plantation tours? What are some great local restaurants? Do we need to rent a car the entire time? What are the best day trip options? Any other can't-miss activities?" —Amy Chen, Assistant Editor

EARLIER: Readers answer a question about shopping in Vietnam.

Travel is one of those things that you'd get really good at if you did them all the time. Unfortunately, few people get to do it all the time—including the staff of Budget Travel. So we're pooling our knowledge: We ask you a question, you share your advice, and then we spotlight the most helpful tips in a future magazine issue. This week's question is:

"My husband and I are planning a trip to the Finger Lakes region of New York and would like to know which wineries to visit." —Amy Helin, Creative Director

EARLIER: Readers answer a question about what to do on a first-time visit to New Orleans.

Travel is one of those things that you'd get really good at if you did them all the time. Unfortunately, few people get to do it all the time—including the staff of Budget Travel. So we're pooling our knowledge: We ask you a question, you share your advice, and then we spotlight the most helpful tips in a future magazine issue. This week's question is:

"I'll be in Denver for three days in January. Where should I go for my morning coffee? Low-key lunches? Nice dinners? Which neighborhoods should I explore? Anything else I shouldn't miss?" —Beth Collins, Associate Editor

EARLIER: Readers answer a question about which wineries to visit in the Finger Lakes, N.Y.

It's time for another Question of the Week:

Travel is one of those things that you'd get really good at if you did them all the time. Unfortunately, few people get to do it all the time—including the staff of Budget Travel. So we're pooling our knowledge: We ask you a question, you share your advice, and then we spotlight the most helpful tips in a future magazine issue. This week's question is:

"I'm desperate for a warm-weather vacation this winter—ideally at a beach—but I want to go someplace where I won't get eaten alive by mosquitoes. (I'm the kind of person mosquitoes love, and the bites last for a week.) Anyone have any recommendations?" —Erik Torkells, Editor

EARLIER: Readers answer a question about what to do in Denver, Colo., in January

In answer to our weekly questions, you've shared your knowledge on travel destinations near and far—from the Caribbean to New Orleans.

Now tell us: What's your travel resolution for 2008? Is it a new adventure, a return to a favorite place, an urban exploration, or a journey to a remote destination? Share your thoughts by posting a comment.

It's time for another Question of the Week:

Travel is one of those things that you'd get really good at if you did them all the time. Unfortunately, few people get to do it all the time—including the staff of Budget Travel. So we're pooling our knowledge: We ask you a question, you share your advice, and then we spotlight the most helpful tips in a future magazine issue. This week's question is:

"I'm going to Knoxville for a long weekend and I've never been before, so I need advice on everything. Where should I eat? What should I do? Any great museums or galleries I should see? Most of the hotels I've come across online seem business-y, but I'm hoping to find something small and charming. Any ideas?" —Liz Ozaist, Senior Editor

EARLIER: Readers answer a question about mosquito-free Caribbean getaways

It's time for another Question of the Week:

Travel is one of those things that you'd get really good at if you did them all the time. Unfortunately, few people get to do it all the time—including the staff of Budget Travel. So we're pooling our knowledge: We ask you a question, you share your advice, and then we spotlight the most helpful tips in a future magazine issue. This week's question is:

"This February, a girlfriend and I will visit friends who recently moved to Napa. Since we've never been there and the couple is new to the area, we'd love to know about any must-see spots, restaurants, and shops. (They're in the wine business, so I think we have vineyards covered!)" —Lauren Feuer, Editorial Production Manager

EARLIER: Readers answer a question about museums and hotels in Knoxville.

Forty-seven senators want the government to allow citizens to carry loaded handguns and other firearms in our national parks. These senators don't need to pass legislation to change a current ban on citizens carrying "ready-to-fire" weapons. Instead, the senators can petition the Interior Department to change the regulation.

What do you think? Is the ban on "ready-to fire weapons" a violation of your constitutional rights under the Second Amendment? Are lonely wilderness trails one of the places you would most want to have your handgun at the ready for self-defense?

Or are gun prohibitions justified because they reduce accidents and poaching? [Please note, our gun regulations are not to be confused with our hunting laws. Nobody is asking to reverse federal laws that make it illegal to take, shoot, or transport wildlife.]

Or is there another option not being considered that you would like to propose, such as setting aside a few national parklands as "gun-friendly"?

[PHOTO BY 16-year old Drew Wilson, via Flickr]

Under today's rules, you can "pack heat" as long as it's not "ready to fire." For example, you can bring an unloaded, but assembled, gun as long as it is packed in a case or in the trunk of your car. But the senators want to allow citizens to carry "ready-to-use firearms," meaning weapons loaded and on your person. Since 1983, the Interior Department has prevented citizens from carrying firearms onto Park Service lands and Fish and Wildlife Service property.

You can download the letter here.

What do you think? Feel free to sound off below.

It's time for another Question of the Week:

Travel is one of those things that you'd get really good at if you did them all the time. Unfortunately, few people get to do it all the time—including the staff of Budget Travel. So we're pooling our knowledge: We ask you a question, you share your advice, and then we spotlight the most helpful tips in a future magazine issue. This week's question is:

"I'm going to Boston for a weekend in January to visit my college roommate. She's semi-new to the city, so we'll be exploring it together. Where can we go for an inexpensive night out? A great vegetarian meal? An interesting history lesson? A fabulous breakfast? A fun venue for live music?" —Sara Morrow, Editorial Assistant

EARLIER: Readers answer a question about restaurants and shops in Napa.

Readers of this blog have offered some tips for travelers who are sitting next to children who are acting out.

If a parent is silent while their child is acting out, speak up.

I travel often and on a recent flight a little girl seated right in back of me continued to scream...and her mother was doing nothing about it. We hadn't even taken off!. After a while, I turned around and looked the little girl in the eyes and told her to stop screaming. Of course, she stared at me, an adult who scolded her! Her mother made excuses for her...that she was afraid. I told her to hold the little girls hand to ensure her that all was well. We never heard another peep from the little girl!—Eileen

If the child is related to you, threaten to deduct money from their "allowance."

Once, we had lunch at a nice Italian restaurant at Epcot and my son misbehaved. After a warning, we made him pay for his own lunch with his spending money. It made a big impression on him and all the rest. We still say, "Ask your brother what happens if you misbehave in a restaurant." We haven't had to make anybody else pay.—Sharon

Get the waitstaff involved.

Obnoxious behavior by any age should not have to be tolerated by the public. One method to decrease obnoxious behavior in a restaurant is to inform the waiter or manager that there will be no tip if the offending party is not dealt with.—Ray

Use positive reinforcement to prevent outbreaks of bad behavior.

I cannot tell you the number of times a random child in a restaurant or cafe has come up to me to show me a toy or so say, "hi" or whatever. You, parent, might think I should be delighted by your little rapscallion, but I am not. Compliment parents whose children are well-behaved.—Alyssa

Use restaurant comment cards to suggest that the prices on children's menus should jump after a certain hour of the night.

I have always asserted, that, if I owned a restaurant, my CHILDRENS' MENU would be double the adult's price— Charles

Feel free to offer your own ideas by posting a comment below. (If you disagree with any of the above tactics, speak up, too!)

Recently posted passionate opinions about the idea of creating child-free establishments, such as coffee shops, restaurants, cruise ships, and select airport lounges, that are "child free."

Readers were reacting to Disney's decision to ban children under age 10 from one of its Florida restaurants, and to AirTran's decision to kick a misbehaving little girl off of one of its planes. (See the earlier post for details.).

Here's a sampling of our reader's creative and impassioned thoughts about "sectioning-off children" on airplanes and in restaurants.

It's time for another Question of the Week:

Travel is one of those things that you'd get really good at if you did them all the time. Unfortunately, few people get to do it all the time—including the staff of Budget Travel. So we're pooling our knowledge: We ask you a question, you share your advice, and then we spotlight the most helpful tips in a future magazine issue. This week's question is:

"I’m going to Buenos Aires in February. I already know where I'm staying, but I need recommendations for restaurants and shopping. I’m also visiting the Mendoza wine region for a few nights and would love suggestions on which vineyards to visit, plus ideas for any other important sites in the area." —Marilyn Holstein, Managing Editor

I read an article yesterday about a passenger who felt cheated by Delta because most of her plane seat was taken over by the overweight woman sitting next to her. The reader ended up getting a refund and an apology from Delta, which is a happy ending to the story. But I continue to think about the issue of obese passengers.

I had a similar experience on an overnight flight from NYC to Rome in June 06; an overweight woman next to me couldn't help the fact that she took up at least a third of my seat, too. While I wasn't disturbed enough to make the effort to get a refund, it was an inconvenience. But mostly I felt really badly for her: She was shoehorned into the middle seat of the three-seat row and spilled out on either side. She couldn't reach her feet, and she didn't get up once during the entire eight-hour flight. Worrisome!

Right now airlines seem to either ignore the problem—shoving overweight people into uncomfortable, embarrassing situations where neighboring passengers share the inconvenience and resent them for it—or forcing the obese to pay for two seats if they want to fly. How would airlines actively enforce the latter—assign weight parameters to airline seats and then fine violators when they get to the boarding gate? (Chances are there wouldn’t be two seats available at that point, anyway.)

The Canadian Transportation Agency recently tried to address the situation...

Our recent blog post, "Should guns be openly used in the National Parks?" drew more than 125 comments from readers. Thanks to everyone. (Comments are now closed.)

As a reminder: Under current Interior Department regulations, you can bring many types of firearms into most national parks, but the weapons cannot be loaded and "ready-to-fire."

Below, you'll find some of the comments that generated light, not just heat. (Find all of the comments on the original post, of course.)

Thanks to everyone who posted comments on my earlier blog post, A Question of Weight. I'm overwhelmed by the response! It seems that most everyone agrees that the issue of overweight passengers on airplanes is a serious problem. What to do about it, though, is the subject of (a lot of) debate!

Some readers pointed out how the size of seats in coach class hasn't expanded, even as the average weight of Americans has increased. With airline seats being uncomfortable for most passengers even in the best of circumstances, you were outraged at the notion of having to give up any seat space to someone else.

And, thanks to your comments, this is what I learned: Obese or overweight passengers don't want to take up others' space any more than seat neighbors want to share it, and they might be willing to pay for extra space—but when they follow the current airline policy of buying two seats for themselves, airlines and fellow passengers don't consistently (or ever, according to comments) honor their reserved seat.

If carriers can't or won't enforce the one and only policy that addresses the issue, then overweight people have little recourse but to inconvenience others. (I'm going to ignore comments about the causes of obesity. I prefer to let the medical profession address those concerns; yelling at someone for being overweight is not going to give me more space on a flight.)

What was also interesting was that some readers noted the inconsistency between extra-baggage fee policies and the lack of fees for overweight passengers, and suggested that airlines charge passengers based on the combined weight of the individual and his or her luggage.

As for the question of who is responsible for addressing the problem, readers were split on whether the burden should be on airlines or overweight passengers. Let's see which airline will be the first to tackle the issue—according to you guys, Southwest seems to have a running start...

[Earlier blog post: A Question of Weight.]

What travel-related innovation from the past 10 years or so has made your trips more enjoyable? We've narrowed down readers' submissions, and now's your chance to vote. The most popular will be featured in our upcoming 10th anniversary special issue—written and photographed by readers like you.

UPDATE: THE POLL IS NOW CLOSED. THANK YOU FOR VOTING.